The first hard freeze can catch drivers off guard. Here's what to keep in your vehicle and how to prepare your battery, tires, and fluids for colder weather.
The first fall freeze can take drivers by surprise. Windshields ice over overnight, car batteries struggle to start engines, and wet pavement can quickly become dangerously slippery. Getting your vehicle ready before temperatures drop can help you avoid cold-weather headaches and handle unexpected roadside emergencies. Here's what drivers should know before winter sets in.
Preparing your car for colder weather involves more than checking its mechanical condition. You should also keep a few essential items in your vehicle to help you stay safe and deal with common winter driving problems.
These tools help clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, roof, mirrors, and headlights. Never pour hot water onto a frozen windshield. The sudden temperature change can cause the glass to crack.
Cold temperatures reduce a car battery's ability to deliver power, making it harder to start the engine. Jumper cables let you use another vehicle's battery, while a portable jump starter can get your car running without needing another driver.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when connecting either device.
Replace summer windshield washer fluid with a winter formula rated for freezing temperatures before the first cold snap. Check the entire system for leftover water, which can freeze and damage the reservoir, hoses, or pump.
If you need to change a tire or wait for roadside assistance in freezing weather, your body can lose heat quickly. Keep a warm jacket, insulated gloves, a winter hat, a blanket, and an extra pair of socks in your trunk.
Fall and winter bring shorter days and longer periods of darkness. A flashlight can make it easier to inspect your vehicle or stay visible while dealing with a roadside breakdown.
Before heading out, check that the flashlight's batteries are charged. Carry spare batteries or choose a model with a reliable rechargeable battery.
For long drives and trips on rural roads, consider adding a few more items to your emergency kit. They can prove useful if your vehicle breaks down or you get stranded in bad weather.
These items can help make you more visible to approaching traffic if you need to leave your vehicle on the roadside. Wear the vest before stepping out, and place a warning triangle only when it is safe and legal to do so.
Cold weather can drain a smartphone battery faster, and losing phone power during a roadside emergency can make it harder to call for help. A fully charged power bank and compatible charging cable can help you stay connected.
Keep the power bank charged and avoid leaving it exposed to extreme temperatures.
A compact shovel can help clear snow from around your tires if your vehicle gets stuck. A portable tire inflator lets you check tire pressure and add air when needed.
Cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop, so check your tires regularly and follow the pressure listed on the driver's door-jamb label rather than the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.
These supplies are especially useful on longer trips, when severe weather or a breakdown could leave you waiting for assistance. Pack bottled water, shelf-stable snacks, and a well-stocked first-aid kit.
During winter travel, preparation can make a significant difference. Check your battery, tire pressure, washer fluid, and other essential systems before temperatures fall. Keep your emergency supplies accessible, and make sure your phone is charged before leaving home.
A little preparation can help you handle a cold-weather breakdown more safely and keep a minor inconvenience from turning into a much bigger problem.